Your Complete Guide to Getting to Hiroshima: Best Routes, Tickets & Tips

Published on June 13, 2025
Last updated on June 25, 2025

Hiroshima offers a profound mix of history, peace, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination in Japan. Whether you're arriving from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, or elsewhere, this guide will help you navigate the best ways to reach Hiroshima—especially via Japan's world-class Shinkansen.

Index

Best Way to Get to Hiroshima: Take the Shinkansen
Flying to Hiroshima: When Are Flights Better?
Highway Buses: Budget Travel to Hiroshima
Access from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to the City
Quick Comparison: Which Option is Best?
Best Ticket Options for Foreign Visitors
How to Book Your Shinkansen Tickets Online
Local Travel Tips for International Visitors
FAQ: Getting to Hiroshima
Ready to Go? Book Your Tickets

1. Best Way to Get to Hiroshima: Take the Shinkansen

The Shinkansen is by far the easiest and most comfortable way to get to Hiroshima from major cities in Japan.

From Tokyo to Hiroshima
- Nozomi (4 hrs) – The fastest direct train. Frequent service.
- Hikari + Sakura (5 hrs) – JR Pass-compatible with one transfer.
From Osaka to Hiroshima
- Nozomi (1.5 hrs) – Direct and frequent.
- Sakura (1.5 hrs) – Covered by JR Pass.
From Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Sakura (1 hr 45 mins) – Smooth and scenic.
From Hakata (Fukuoka) to Hiroshima
- Nozomi or Sakura (1 hr) – Very fast and frequent.

Tip: All Shinkansen services to Hiroshima arrive at Hiroshima Station, which is well-connected to local trams, buses, and taxis.

Hiroshima can be reached within 4 hours by Shinkansen from Tokyo.

2. Flights to Hiroshima: When Are They Worth It?

Flights to Hiroshima are limited, but they can make sense in specific cases.

Tokyo to Hiroshima by Plane: Flight time is about 1.5 hrs, but add 2–3 hours for airport transfers and check-in.
Best for: Travelers coming from Sapporo, Naha (Okinawa), or international destinations.

Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) is a small regional airport located approximately 50 minutes from central Hiroshima.
Consider this transfer time when planning a trip.

3. Highway Buses: Budget Travel to Hiroshima

For budget-conscious travelers, highway buses offer overnight and daytime options:

Tokyo to Hiroshima: 12–13 hours. Budget-friendly but long.
Osaka to Hiroshima: 5–6 hours. Slower but cheaper than trains.
Kyoto to Hiroshima: About 6 hours.

💺 Most buses offer reclining seats, restrooms, Wi-Fi, and women-only seating options.

4. Access from Hiroshima Airport (HIJ) to the City

Once you land at HIJ, here’s how to reach downtown Hiroshima:

Airport Limousine Bus: ~50 mins to Hiroshima Station.
Taxi: ~¥14,000 and 45–50 mins. Ideal for groups or heavy luggage.

Tip: Airport buses run every 20–30 minutes and are aligned with flight arrivals.

5. Quick Comparison: What’s the Best Way?

Route	Shinkansen	Flight	Highway Bus
Tokyo → Hiroshima	★ Fast (4 hrs)	○ Extra airport time	○ Long (12 hrs)
Osaka → Hiroshima	★ Easy (1.5 hrs)	—	○ Long (5–6 hrs)
Kyoto → Hiroshima	★ Smooth (1.75h)	—	○ Budget (6 hrs)
Fukuoka → Hiroshima	★ Very fast (1h)	○ Few flights available	✖ Very long (8 hrs)
Sapporo → Hiroshima	✖ Too far	★ Best via New Chitose	✖ Too far

6. Best Ticket Options for Foreign Visitors

There are several convenient and cost-effective ticket options for foreign travelers exploring Osaka and beyond. Whether you're traveling long-distance on the Shinkansen or hopping between cities in the Kansai region, here are the best ways to save money, secure your seat, and enjoy a smooth journey.

JR Pass: Great for long-distance travel. Use on Hikari and Sakura.
JR West Sanyo-San’in Area Pass: Perfect for Hiroshima, Osaka, and Fukuoka.
Online Booking: Reserve seats in English, pay with international cards.
Green Car Upgrade: Spacious, quiet seats for longer trips.
Trusted Sites: Skip station lines and book in advance.

7. How to Book Your Shinkansen Tickets Online

Here are some of the easiest and most reliable ways to book your Shinkansen tickets online. We offer seat reservations, English support, and flexible delivery options to suit your travel needs.

Choose between digital QR tickets or physical delivery.
Sites available in English with international payment support.
Some services offer seat selection and baggage options.

8. Local Travel Tips for International Visitors

IC Cards: Suica, PASMO, and ICOCA work on local trams and buses.
Trams in Hiroshima: Easy and cheap way to get around.
Luggage Delivery: Avoid carrying heavy bags. Use takkyubin services.
Multilingual Help: Available at Hiroshima Station and tourist centers.

9. FAQ: Getting to Hiroshima

Q: Can I use the JR Pass for Hiroshima?
A: Yes, on all Sakura and Hikari trains. Not valid on Nozomi.

Q: Is the airport close to the city?
A: Hiroshima Airport is about 50 minutes away by bus.

Q: What’s the best way from Osaka or Kyoto?
A: Shinkansen (1.5–1.75 hrs) is fastest and easiest.

Q: Is there local transport once I arrive?
A: Yes, the streetcar (tram) network is extensive and tourist-friendly.

Q: Should I book in advance?
A: Definitely. Book Shinkansen tickets online to avoid queues and secure your seat.

10. Ready to Travel to Hiroshima?

Book your Shinkansen tickets easily online. Safe, secure, and perfect for international visitors.

👉 Check Routes & Book Now

What is shinkansen-ticket.com?

Shinkansen-Ticket.com is a Japan-based travel agency specializing in booking Shinkansen and limited express train tickets—including high-demand routes that are often difficult to secure. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, flexible, and traveler-friendly service.

We provide both QR code-based tickets for easy station access, ideal for last-minute bookings, and physical paper tickets, which can be delivered to your home abroad, hotel, major post offices, or even a friend’s residence across Japan—perfect for carefully planned itineraries.

Our expertise in Japan’s rail system allows us to offer customized support with a deep understanding of routes, connections, and seating options—including oversized luggage seats, scenic views, and group arrangements.

Trusted by thousands of repeat customers and partnered with numerous hotels and travel agencies, we regularly assist in arranging train tickets for hotel guests and tour clients across Japan.